Oral Health Matters
Numerous recent scientific studies indicate associations between oral health and a variety of general health conditions — including diabetes and heart disease. In response, the World Health Organization has integrated oral health into its chronic disease prevention efforts “as the risks to health are linked.”
The American Dental Association recommends that dental visits begin no later than a child’s first birthday to establish a “dental home.” Dentists can provide guidance to children and parents, deliver preventive oral health services, and diagnose and treat dental disease in its earliest stages. This ongoing dental care will help both children and adults maintain optimal oral health throughout their lifetimes.
Improving the Nation’s Oral Health
Despite all we know about the importance of oral health to overall health, to people’s self-esteem and to their employability, state and federal policies continually sell dental care short.
- Most states spend 2 percent or less of their Medicaid budgets on dental services.
- An estimated 164 million work hours are lost each year due to oral disease.
The American Dental Association is committed to improving the nation’s oral health through public education and through legislative advocacy to strengthen funding for dental services provided through public health programs.
Contact ADA Congressional Affairs
Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding oral health. For more information about our legislative issues, visit ada.org/advocacy.
Chris Tampio, Director, Congressional Affairs Megan Mortimer, Congressional Lobbyist
tampioc@ada.org, 202.789.5178 mortimerm@ada.org, 202.898.2402
Jennifer Fisher, Congressional Lobbyist Natalie Hales, Congressional Lobbyist
fisherj@ada.org, 202.789.5160 halesn@ada.org, 202.898.2404
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